Shouldn't I be Governor or something?

Our new Governor-elect Bobby Jindal is just 36 years old. On Sunday, I'll be 38. I'm older than the Governor. If that doesn't make me feel pre-historic, I'm not sure what does.

That's just the way it goes right? You live long enough and you're older than everyone. Your doctor, your boss, your governor, everyone.

This has been the quietest birthday I can remember ever. I haven't talked or thought about it much. I had to catch myself just now to remember to blog about it. I keep forgetting it's coming up. My 20-year high school reunion is tomorrow and I can't decide if I want to go. Maybe that's overshadowing my bday too.

What I'd like is a quiet day outside with my family because the weather here has been beautiful. I'm thinking about having a nice lunch out somewhere and then maybe going here with my family. I haven't been in years and I think John M. would like it.

Hope everyone has a great weekend! I'll just be down here getting older. ;^)

Birthday Pics almost 1 month late

So, John M's been 3 years old for almost a month now, but I'm finally getting the birthday pics in.

His party was at a local 'farm' here, complete with a pony, goats, an oversized rabbit, and a hayride. Most of the kids loved it, but John M. cried about 90% of the time. The only part he seemed to really like was the cake and the presents. I wonder who he gets that from? Hmmmm....

The Sun and the Clouds

Remember this post way back when? Probably not, because no one read my blog way back when (but since then I've gained you 5 readers - woo-hoo!!)

It was about noticing. About how most times we don't even notice that we're not noticing. Back then, I was making an attempt to be more observant, more appreciative of all of the beauty that surrounds me. I'm still working at it; it's something that I have to make a conscious effort to do most times. But you know who helps me? Emma.

Emma notices clouds, the sun, the moon, the water, she sees beauty in all of it and the best part of it is, she points it out to all of us. Monday, as we were on the way to school, (it was a very gloomy, rainy day), she said:

'Mom, look at all those black clouds. That's not good'.

Me: 'No. I think it's going to be a rainy day'.

Em: 'But if you look real close, you can see the pretty white clouds underneath over there'.

Me (struggling hard to see without crashing the car): 'I can't see them'.

Em: 'Yeah, you see, they're trying to push the ugly clouds out of the way so they can get through'.

I just grin.

She looks at me and says 'What, Mom?'. I say 'I just like the way you put things sometimes'.

She shrugs her shoulders and says 'Well . . . it just makes them seem more alive'.

Exactly.

(and then there was John M. yesterday, while trying to watch his Dora DVD in the car. The sun had the nerve to come out and shine in his eyes. He asked me in a really whiney tone, 'Mom, can you turn the sun OFF?!' There's a lot I can do, but there's one thing I can't. Sorry-o).

(PS. John has started POOPING in the potty! I can't remember the last time I was this excited.)

RENEE

I've been tagged by Jamie of BlondeMomBlog for a middle name meme. Okay, my middle name is Renee (which is the name I go by). No one has ever called me by my first name, except for my orthodontist and a few of my college professors. Here are some facts about me using the letters in 'Renee'; can you stand the excitement?

R - Real. One thing I cannot stand is people who aren't 'real' and pretend to be something they're not. I hate snobbiness, rudeness, that whole 'I'm better than you' attitude.

E - Eater. I am definitely an eater. I can out-eat many large men. I almost always clean my plate; not necessarily because I'm hungry, but just because I love the taste of FOOD!

N - Nerd. I'm a nerd; there, I said it. First of all, I'm a programmer. 'Nuff said? But I also love board games, crossword puzzles, reading, etc.

E - Exciteable - I'm very exciteable when it comes to certain things, like my kids playing sports for instance, or anything my kids do, I guess. I tend to yell and clap and possibly jump up and down.

E - Emma (Okay, I had a lot of 'Es', give me a break.) Emma has been one of very favorite girls' names ever since I was a kid. I used to watch 'Kate and Allie' and dream of the day that I would have my own Emma like Kate did. And now I do!

Wanna play? I'm gonna tag Mark, Cindy, and Heather.